BMW is recalling Mini Cooper SE electric hatchbacks due to a manufacturing issue that could cause short-circuits in the EVs' battery packs.
The Cooper SE is an all-electric version of the three-door Mini hatch that was introduced for the 2020 model year. The recall includes 12,535 vehicles from that model year up to 2024. These vehicles may have battery packs that were not produced according to specifications, according to the NHTSA.
2020 Mini Cooper SE
Faults in these battery packs could cause short-circuits, which in turn could lead to overheating and, in rare cases, a "thermal event," even when the vehicle is parked and turned off, recall documents said. BMW is aware of two customer complaints that may be related to this issue, but does not know of any related accidents or injuries.
The remedy is a free software update, but it must be performed at a dealership. BMW expects to mail notification letters telling customers when to take their cars to dealerships to have this done Oct. 7, 2024. Owners can also contact Mini customer service at 1-866-275-6464 with any questions.
2020 Mini Cooper SE
This is the second recent battery-related recall of the Mini Cooper SE, although the previous recall was much smaller. In April, 145 cars from model years 2020 to 2024 were recalled because of potential battery-pack water damage that posed a fire risk.
The Cooper SE received a range and efficiency boost for the 2022 model year, but generally held the line on pricing throughout its production run, making it one of a shrinking number of affordable EVs. It's due to be replaced by an electric version of the redesigned 2025 Mini Cooper hatch, which will be sold alongside a first-ever electric version of the Mini Countryman crossover.
